The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) honoured 11 innovators, leaders, connectors, and emerging stars of international education with its 2016 Excellence Awards. Among them was UPEI’s president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, who was named the recipient of the President’s Award for Distinguished Leadership in International Education. Great friend of President Abd-El-Aziz and to Prince Edward Island, Dr. Thomas H. B. Symons received the Founders Award for Excellence in International Education. Read the CBIE release

The distinguished leadership award recognizes an “individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the internationalization of Canadian education and/or the international education profession beyond their home institution.”

The citation for Dr. Abd-El-Aziz from the CBIE reads:

“At twenty-six years old, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz travelled to the University of Saskatchewan as an international student from Cairo University. Over the next 30 years he went from international student to President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). Dr. Abd-El-Aziz created the first International Development Relations Office (IRO) at UPEI in 2012. He has been active in the front-line participation of recruitment trips to China, India, South Africa, Brazil, and the Middle East. In just four short years, the international student population has increased by 50% at UPEI and UPEI students now have the opportunity to study abroad at 55 institutions in 21 different countries.”

“It gives me great pleasure to recognize these dedicated and passionate people whose contributions pave the way for our collective internationalization goals,” said Karen McBride, President and CEO of CBIE, “and I am proud to join with our members and partners in celebrating their outstanding achievements.”

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Marie-Soleil Deschenes (Women’s Hockey) and Dut Dut (Men’s Basketball), the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the week for November 7-13!

Marie-Soleil Deschenes is a fifth-year Bachelor of Science student from Île-Perrot, Quebec, and a goalie on the UPEI Women’s Hockey team. The Panthers split a pair of games over the weekend, including a win over the CIS #2 ranked Saint Mary’s University Huskies. “Marie continues to be one of the strongest goalies in the AUS,” said coach Bruce Donaldson. “ She competes very well and loves to challenge the shooter.  She has great reflexes, is quick, and moves well.  Game-in and game-out she is a leader with her work ethic on the ice.”

Dut Dut is a fifth-year forward on the UPEI Men’s Basketball team, and a Bachelor of Arts student from Ottawa, Ontario. The Panthers dropped two games over the weekend to the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds, but Dut shone with an average of 17 points-per-game, and 20 rebounds for the weekend. “Dut Dut turned in two solid games for us this weekend,” said coach Tim Kendrick. “He played hard at both ends of the floor and was our most consistent player in every way.”

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men’s Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

The UPEI Wind Symphony will perform its final recital of the Fall semester on Friday, November 25 at 7:30 pm at Park Royal United Church in Charlottetown. With performances in recent years at local Churches – Saint Dunstan’s Basilica and Zion Presbyterian – the Wind Symphony is continuing a tradition of performing beyond campus. The exceptional acoustics of Park Royal will make this performance memorable, and the seating capacity will allow for all Wind Symphony supporters to attend.

The centrepiece of this recital will be Frank Ticheli’s Angels in the Architecture, a massive, landmark work for the wind band medium. Opening with a single soprano voice and accompanied with crystal-like backgrounds, this work features contrasting sections of force and power with tranquil moments of lyricism and colour. The work unfolds as a dramatic conflict between the two extremes of human existence–one divine, the other evil. The work’s title is inspired by the Sydney Opera House itself, where it received its premier performance, with its halo-shaped acoustical ornaments hanging directly above the performance stage.

Featured soloist will be saxophonist Emily Proude, who will perform Claude T. Smith’s Fantasia, a work that exploits both the technical and lyrical qualities of the saxophone. Ms. Proude, a fourth-year Bachelor of Music student UPEI, is establishing a significant profile in performing many of the saxophone’s most challenging works with considerable poise and artistry. Currently, she is a student in the studio of Dr. Nicole Strum, and is principal saxophonist of the Wind Symphony and the UPEI Saxophone Quartet.

Under the direction of Dr. Karem J. Simon, the Wind Symphony is known for its programming of eclectic contemporary repertoire. James David’s All Dark Is Now No More is one such piece which includes electronics with the band. These electronics amount to granular synthesis – a process of breaking apart large sounds into many segments that are then rearranged into algorithmic clouds of digital chaos. Other pieces on the programme will include Derek Bermel’s quirky Ides March, Joaquin Turina’s colourful La Procession du Rocio, and Gordon Jacob’s classic An Original Suite.

Performances this Fall have brought the Wind Symphony to Saint John, New Brunswick, Amherst Nova Scotia, and Summerside, PEI. These represent UPEI’s commitment to community outreach while providing its music majors with additional performance exposure.

During the past eighteen years the Wind Symphony has produced an annual compact disc featuring selected repertoire from each year’s performances. Cathedrals, released in May 2010 received the 2011 Music PEI Award for Best Classical Recording. In February 2011 the Wind Symphony released its O Canada CD, a project exclusively for PEI public schools. Its most recent compact discs, Freebirds, Lord of the Rings, Four Horsemen, Rumpelstilzchen, Lincolnshire Posy, and Magnolia Star have been highly acclaimed.

Tickets for this performance at $15 Adults/Seniors and $10 Students may be acquired at the UPEI Music Department and at the admission’s desk the evening of the recital. 

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The University of Prince Edward Island signed memorandum of understandings (MOUs) this week with three universities at the Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE) Annual Conference in Ottawa. 

Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, who was at the CBIE conference to receive a 2016 Excellence Award, formalized agreements with officials from the Universidad da Vinci de Guatemala, Intec institute de Formation Technique Professionelle in Haiti, and Galen University in Belize.

“Today, we are very pleased to meet and work with representatives from these three universities,” said President Abd-El-Aziz. “These MOUs mark the first time that UPEI partnered with universities in Central America and Haiti. This historic occasion will allow the University to offer more academic and research opportunities to students, faculty, and staff.”

Each MOU indicates that UPEI and the partner university will endeavour to explore and mutually collaborate on a variety of activities such as:

• the exchange of academic staff for the purposes of teaching and research,
• the exchange/study abroad programs for students,
• the participation in joint seminars, lectures, training, and academic meetings,
• the exchange of research materials in the fields of mutual interest,
• research/consulting contracts, and
• program collaborations.

Representatives from the three institutions toured UPEI last week on a pre-conference visit to several post-secondary institutions in eastern Canada.

“That our International Relations Office was able to secure these partnerships so quickly speaks volumes about our ability to be nimble and respond to opportunities as they present themselves,” added President Abd-El-Aziz. “I am very proud that UPEI is moving forward with internationalization efforts to achieve growth and a thriving, sustainable future.”

Students from UPEI’s School of Business won second place at the Scotiabank Ethics in Action Case Competition held at Dalhousie University over the weekend of November 4 and 5.

As part of the Scotiabank Ethics in Action Conference—which includes a panel discussion, speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities that allow students to interact with industry experts and peers from across the country—the case competition provides an opportunity for students to develop the skills and knowledge used in practicing ethical leadership. It challenges students with complex ethical dilemmas that they are likely to face in today's corporate world and tasks them with making strategic business decisions, while adhering to ethical principles.

“The students worked hard to truly understand what it means to be ethical leaders in a practical sense, and I am so proud of the hard work and dedication they have shown over the semester,” said Mary Whitrow, coach of the UPEI case team.

UPEI won second place against nine other teams from across Canada and the United States. The UPEI team included Hannah Dawson (fourth-year BBA, marketing specialization), Shanna Blacquiere (second-year BBA), Krista Lee Oliver (fourth-year BBA, accounting specialization), and Carter MacDonald (fourth-year BBA, accounting specialization). The team also competed in the Atlantic Schools of Business Case Competition in late October, where they placed first.

“I am so happy that our team was able to get these results for UPEI,” said team member Krista Lee Oliver. “We feel honoured to have kept this track record going.”

Ten days before the competition, students received a business case (a narrative about a real life business and the problems it is facing) they had never seen before. Using all resources available to them (Internet, textbooks, faculty, etc.) they prepared a 12-minute presentation to deliver on the first day of competition to a panel of academics and industry professionals, which was followed by a three-minute question period.

“This was an excellent learning experience for our team,” said team member Carter MacDonald. “It challenged us to see problems from multiple points of view and to solve those problems ethically.”
The following day, the team received another case. This time, they had just three hours to analyze it and create a solution to present to the judges, without the assistance of the Internet or textbooks. The judging panel said UPEI’s team stood out for delivering a solution that was both ethically sound and realistic.

“To have such consistent results is impressive,” said Dr. Juergen Krause, dean of UPEI’s School of Business. “Congratulations to the students and their coach on a job again well done.”

Past UPEI Results at Scotiabank Ethics in Action

2016 – 2nd place
2015 –2nd place
2014 –1st place
2013 – 1st place

UPEI Athletics and Recreation are hosting the tenth annual Shoot for the Cure fundraiser Saturday, November 26.  The UPEI Women’s Basketball team will host the Memorial Seahawks with a tip off of 6:00 pm.

Shoot for the Cure is a fundraising initiative led by University Sport’s Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) to raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and other related charities. The campaign has proven an overwhelming success since it was launched in the fall of 2007, having collected over $1 million in donations. This season, and for the sixth year in a row, all 47 University Sport women's basketball schools are set to participate in the program.

At the 2016 CIS championship last March, the WBCA presented a cheque for $98,776 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. An additional $25,837 was amassed by universities that donated their fundraised money to local or provincial organizations, bringing the overall Shoot for the Cure total for the 2015–16 season to $124,613.

The entire Panther team is involved in the local fundraising effort, this year led by fourth-year student-athlete Kiera Rigby. The team hopes to achieve their $2000 fundraising goal through selling Shoot for the Cure t-shirts, collecting donations, and holding a bake sale. Some players have also set individual fundraising goals.

"We each have our individual reasons, but are united by our desire to take care of one another and find a cure for this disease,” said Rigby. “If we can help even one individual, it is well worth the effort. In addition to our team’s efforts, I am donating my hair to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths campaign that makes wigs for women who have lost their hair as a result of cancer treatment. This is in honour of my grandmother, Sandra McNeilly who passed away fighting cancer, as too many others have.”

Rigby will have her hair cut and donate over eight inches of hair to a Canadian Cancer Society representative at halftime during the UPEI Men’s Basketball game (tip off at 8:00 pm).

“The UPEI Women's Basketball team is pleased to again be taking part in the University Sport National Shoot For The Cure campaign in support of breast cancer research,” says head coach Greg Gould. “Our players always look forward to this game and work hard to ensure its success. I hope our fans and the entire Island community come out to support this worthy cause!”

To donate to Kiera Rigby’s individual effort to support Shoot for the Cure, click on her Canada Helps page or find it on her Facebook profile.
 

Forty-eight UPEI students were recognized for their writing skills at the fifth annual MacLauchlan Prizes for Effective Writing celebration held in Don and Marion McDougall Hall on Friday, November 18.

The MacLauchlan Prizes for Effective Writing award was established in 2011 by the MacLauchlan family to honour Premier Wade MacLauchlan for his contributions to UPEI and his years of service as president and vice-chancellor from 1999-2011. The award recognizes the importance of effective writing as a foundational skill for academic success and lifelong learning.

In congratulating the winners, UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz said, “I cannot stress too strongly the importance of developing strong writing skills. Writing is such an essential communication skill—for academic success and for daily life, no matter what career we choose to enter.”

He thanked the MacLauchlan family for their generosity, and Premier MacLauchlan, himself an accomplished writer and author, for his commitment to encouraging excellence in writing among students at UPEI.

The guest speaker was Deirdre Kessler, Poet Laureate for PEI, author, and English professor. Fallon Mawhinney, a third-year arts student, and Jacob McNeill, a third-year science student, read from their winning submissions.

The MacLauchlan Prizes for Effective Writing distribute up to $30,000 annually in awards. The family has made previous contributions to the Harry W. MacLauchlan Scholarships in Entrepreneurial Leadership, MacLauchlan Arena, Robertson Library, athletic scholarships, and student prizes in mathematics and entrepreneurship.

2016 MacLauchlan Prizes for Effective Writing recipients

Faculty of Arts: Kourtney Allen, Lydia Banks, Ya Chen, Elyse Cottrell, Daniel Gallant, Jay Gallant, Erin Hannah, Elizabeth Iwunwa, Charlotte Large, Jordan MacPhee, Fallon Mawhinney, Mitchell McIntosh, Karla McIntosh, Samantha Pedersen, Jean-Phylippe Provencher, Nick Scott, Khadija Adamu Usman, Rebecca Watson, Michaela Wipond

School of Business: Jillian Craig, Hannah Dawson, Damilola Emmanuel, Nathan Hood, Pam Raper, Oluwafoyinsayemi Senbanjo, Colin Trewin

School of Nursing: Jiselle Bakker, Tanya MacCallum, Robyn Soulsby

Faculty of Science: Samuel Ebong, Katie Fullerton, Lindsay MacGregor, Bethany Maynard, Jacob McNeill, Brooks Roche, Rachel Speare, Emma Taylor, Catherine Williams

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: Anne Arsenault, Elizabeth Byers, Vanessa Gerber, Mikaela Jahncke, Kimberly MacKinnon, Twila Maloney, Dionne Paine, Ashley Powell, Mila Profit, Alexandra Soengkono

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) have awarded an Insight Grant to Dr. Sean Weibe, Professor of Education at the University of Prince Edward Island. Dr. Wiebe’s project is titled “Reconceptualizing Teachers’ Roles for Canada’s Creative Economy,” and is the recipient of more than $275,000 from SSHRC.

Dr. Weibe’s previous research has demonstrated that education is mired in a language of skills-training that does not engage students’ creative and critical capacities. Rather than training students with obsolete skills for the boom and bust of economic shocks, Dr. Wiebe proposes that students be prepared for a new economy fuelled by creativity.

“Economists widely agree that human creativity drives innovation, and that process begins in schools,” said Dr. Sean Wiebe. “In some schools, there are teachers and students who contribute to the creative economy through blogs, YouTube channels, art installations, and so on. But these contributions are the exception.”

Dr. Wiebe’s project intends to address this problem by supporting innovation within school communities. At test schools, teachers will be trained as artist/researchers and encouraged to experiment with pedagogical practices and design thinking.

“Dr. Weibe's approach to promoting creativity in education will help to prepare students and teachers for the economy of the future, said Dr. Robert Gilmour, Vice-President Academic and Research at UPEI. “Students trained to think outside of traditional boundaries are more likely to appreciate and embrace the innovations of tomorrow and to generate innovations themselves.”

The goal of the Insight program from SSHRC is to build knowledge and understanding about people, societies, and the world by supporting research excellence in all subject areas eligible for funding from SSHRC.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Jane McLaughlin (Women’s Basketball) and Marcus Power (Men’s Hockey), the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the week for November 14-20!

Jane McLaughlin is a third-year forward on the UPEI Women’s Basketball team. She is a Bachelor of Nursing Student from Fortune, PEI. She led the Panther’s offence this weekend over two games, averaging eleven points, six rebounds, and three assists. “Jane had an outstanding weekend,” said coach Greg Gould. “She led the offence and was equally outstanding defensively shutting down much taller and bigger post players.”

Marcus Power is a third-year forward on the UPEI Men's Hockey team, and a Business student from St. John’s Newfoundland. The Panthers dropped two games over the weekend, but Power scored two goals. “Marcus battled some early injuries in the season,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “He has been working more consistently and has been rewarded this week with a couple goals. For our team to have success, Marcus will have to have the same effort every night.”

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men’s Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

It’s a busy weekend at home on the ice and the court, with loads of opportunities to cheer on your Panthers!

Friday night at 7, the UPEI Women’s Hockey team takes on Mount Allison University at MacLauchlan Arena. It’s a special evening for PEI female minor hockey teams and for the UPEI Campus Food Bank. Entrance is free for all players, coaches, managers, one parent, and for anyone who donates a non-perishable food item. Gate proceeds for the evening will go to the UPEI Food Bank.

The Women’s Hockey team also takes on Dalhousie the following afternoon at 3 pm.

“We are looking forward to hosting both Mt. A and Dal and to finish strong on their final weekend of play for the first half of the season,” said coach Bruce Donaldson. “We have told our players each and every day, ‘don't be confused over other team’s records. Both are two very good hockey teams that work exceptionally hard. If you don't come physically and mentally prepared to play, you will be disappointed in the outcome.’ Our players need to remember the goals that they established for the first term, we are within reach but have lots of work to do in getting ready for the weekend. We have worked too hard not to play our very best hockey.”

Panther Basketball will hold its Shoot for the Cure fundraiser on Saturday evening. Both the men’s and women’s teams play Memorial University. The women’s game begins at 6 pm. The men tip off at 8 pm. Join in the fight against breast cancer by purchasing a Shoot for the Cure t-shirt, make a donation, or pick up a treat at the bake sale.

“The Panthers are looking to rebound from four road losses when they host the Memorial Sea Hawks this Saturday and Sunday,” said women’s coach Greg Gould. “It should be a great weekend of basketball. We’re especially looking forward to the annual Shoot for the Cure game on Saturday, when Kiera Rigby will be getting her hair cut to donate to the local branch of the Canadian Cancer Society.”

“Memorial is coming in at 5-1 and in first place overall in our league,” said Tim Kendrick, coach of the UPEI Men’s Basketball team. “It’s no secret that we have been struggling at both ends of the court. Our players understand that we need to improve if we want to beat such a good team. We will have to certainly play well and execute more efficiently if we hope to be successful!”

Due to the Charlottetown Christmas Parade on Saturday evening, fans attending the Women's Hockey game at 3pm and Women's Basketball game at 6 pm must access campus from the Belvedere Avenue entrance. Also, fans are advised they will not be able to exit the campus between 5:00 and 5:30 pm.

Sunday, it’s Minor Basketball Day at UPEI, as both teams take on MUN again. The women play at 1 pm, while the men start at 3 pm. All minor basketball teams and coaches are admitted free and are invited to arrive by 12:15 pm for “Meet the Panthers,” face painting, sign making, and a pre-game coaches social.

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men’s Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.